23 Visit (6)

As it was the weekend, Mia was preparing to head out with Happy and have their regular walk.

Before walking out Mia said, "Mother, we're heading out!"

Happy who was trying to walk ahead of Mia was happily wagging her tail.

"Aren't you glad about getting out of the house?" Mia said.

She was looking around the shopping district when she remembered something. The bunny that William gave was the same bunny she received on her 9th birthday.

Mia remembered that the shop was the other way from the route they should be heading to, they were supposed to head to the pet clinic but she decided to change directions. She was curious to see how the store looks now.

Holding Happy's leash, they arrived at their destination. She was looking around, as she was sure that the shop was located on this street corner.

It has been a while so she decided to walk around for a bit to make sure, but after a round of walking, they came back to the same spot.

What stood in front of them was a laundry shop.

"Did the toy store relocate somewhere else?" She asked herself.

She stood in front of the shop and hesitated for a bit before going inside.

Looking around, there weren't any attendants or personnel, so she spoke out loud, "Excuse me, is anybody here?"

A woman came out from the back and said, "Yes, how may I help you?"

"Do you happen to know where the old shop moved to? I remembered that there used to be a toy store here..." Mia inquired.

The woman then said, "Unfortunately, the owner passed away a couple of years ago. The children of the old owner did not want to continue with the toy store so they decided to rent out the space."

"I see, thank you for the information," Mia said to the woman.

The woman gave a nod and went back inside.

"Let's go Happy." Both owner and pet walked away and went back to their usual route.

"That's weird, where did William get the bunny if the store is gone?" Mia asked herself, pondering when and how he got it.

However, all she got were more questions.

'It is better to ask the person rather than thinking about it myself.' Mia thought to herself.

Things that she did not notice in this neighborhood suddenly became noticeable. The old ice cream shop that she and William would buy ice cream from is now a café, they still serve their homemade ice cream but the store seems to cater to young adults now.

The cotton candy stall was nowhere to be found while the old arcade was now a convenience store, the only hint of a game were some claw machines in front of the store.

She sighed and said, "Why have I suddenly become sentimental..."

Sfx *cling clang clang*

The door opened at it tapped the bell, making ringing sounds to let the owner know that there were customers.

"Good morning Mia, are you here for Happy's regular trimming?" Dr. Canes said with a smile while approaching Happy to see how she was doing.

"Yes," Mia said happily while looking at Dr. Cane's expression.

"Mind waiting for a bit? Bert is taking care of a customer's pet right now. Do you want coffee or tea?" Dr. Canes asked.

"Coffee," Mia said.

"Sit down first while you wait. I'll go get you a cup of coffee." Dr. Canes walked away and went behind the counter preparing a cup of coffee.

His movement looked elegant, pleasing to look as he moved his hands at an unhurried pace. I bet he would be popular as a barista, the girls would flock while waiting for their coffee, Mia thought to herself while staring at the doctor's back.

Dr. Canes handed the coffee to Mia and said, "I spoke with your mother the other day. She was out buying groceries when she called out to me." He said with a gentle smile while looking at Mia.

Mia was glad she has not started drinking the coffee yet or she did not know the consequences of what her reaction would cause.

While Mia was thinking to herself Dr. Canes continued speaking, "She said you got accepted into a big company, congratulations!"

"Thank you, but I'm just running errands for my boss." She said while putting the coffee on the table.

'Hot coffee with my current situation does not go together.' She thought to herself.

"We all have to start somewhere." The doctor said kindly. "We just have to work hard and I'm sure you will get promoted in no time." he continued.

"Thank you." She said while thinking that this mature person was talking to her bragging mother about her.

She could not think of other words to share or make the conversation last longer. So she decided to pick up her coffee once more.

Before she could even start sipping on her coffee the doctor continued with his words. "Your mother told me that she wanted to have grandkids as she was getting old but you still don't have a boyfriend."

Her hands trembled and a few drops of coffee spilled on her hand.

She did not react or could not at the time, she hadn't even noticed as she was staring at the doctor's face whose smile was still plastered on his face but looked different at the same time.

How was it different? She could not explain as it was more of a feeling.

Mia only gave an awkward laugh as she again put down the coffee and wipes the droplets of coffee on her hand.

"I told your mother that maybe you're still looking for the right person." The doctor's smile seemed to be radiating its own charm as she could not stop looking at his face no matter how embarrassed she was feeling right now.

"I'm actually glad that you're not rushing yourself into getting in a relationship." Doctor Canes said with a smile.

"Doctor, the client is done." The assistant Bert said.

"I'm coming! Excuse me for a bit." Dr. Canes said as he looked at Mia, stood up and headed in the direction of the customer.

Mia was looking at his back with a dumbfounded face.

She felt her heart stopping while she was conversing with him.

Editor - DnC

Original novel by Chuchuwachuwa